New Kid on the Block

This past week I was surprised like many here in Milan to see a new statue in Piazza del Duomo, near the entrance to the Galleria. It’s well done and classically done, but clearly modern in its nature. Click on the small shot here to see a larger image of it.

There’s only a paper placard on the side of it at this time that says, "Ivan Theimer Alle Porte d’Oriente 6. Ercole con obelisco, 1988-1989, bronzo, cm 700x65x65." I’ve looked for news about it on the web, but have seen none. I’m curious as to its meaning and to know whether it is to be permanent. If anyone knows anything about the statue, please let me know.

Update: This statue was only on display temporarily. It was in front of the Galleria only for a few weeks before it was removed. Other statues were put on display over the following months and years, but the others were positioned at the other end of the Galleria, by the Piazza della Scala. I’ve since seen the Theimer statue in other cities in Italy.